All right stop, collaborate, and listen. Phantom Picks is back with a brand new edition! Anyways… With Black Friday’s craziness behind us, we turn our heads to tonight’s action. There are 9 games on the evening docket, which gives us 18 teams locking sticks. An astounding 14 of them played yesterday. So look for some redemption wins, and some weary travelers. The only problem is figuring out which is which! I’m gonna give it my best though, so here we go…
Edmonton @ Colorado
Edmonton has been bad lately, but Colorado has been worse. As much as Edmonton has struggled they are starting to play better and have put together a 2-game win streak, including a 5-2 win over the league-leading Minnesota Wild. But they are on the road and did play in Minnesota last night. Colorado on the other hand has had lots of rest, as well as some team building seminars. They are looking to turn things around tonight! This is a tough one to call, the Avs really need the win, but Edmonton’s young core won’t feel the burn of back-to-back games. With all things considered equal I’ll take the better odds. Edmonton at 1.85.
Winnipeg @ Boston
This should be a no-brainer. Yes Boston lost yesterday (in a shootout), but they are still playing the best hockey in the league. Look for their unbeaten “in regulation” streak to continue tonight. Boston at 1.35
Washington @ Buffalo
This is another tough game. It’s two of the best teams in the league, playing some of the worst hockey of the year. They both played last night, and both lost. I think Washington is the lesser of two evils here. Enroth is a great goalie, but is too young to endure this kind of pressure. Buffalo desperately needs Miller back. On the other side of things, how long can Ovie and Semin play badly for? Also the Caps had more time, and less distance to travel to get to Buffalo. I’ll hesitantly take the Caps at 1.65.
Pittsburgh @ Montreal
It’s really hard to bet against Crosby right now, despite what happened against St. Louis. And oh ya, and the team he’s on is pretty good too. Pittsburgh did play yesterday, but I don’t see how Montreal could possibly handle the Pens depth. To put it in perspective, Pittsburgh’s 3rd line centre, would be the best player on Montreal. Not saying they can’t win, I just wouldn’t put my money on it. Pittsburgh at 1.60.
Florida @ Tampa Bay
Perfect, another tight matchup! These teams battled it out last night in Florida with the Lightning squeaking it out 2-1 in overtime. Now they’re heading to Tampa to complete the home and home. Simple logic says, if Tampa can win in the Panthers barn, they should be able to win in their own. Sounds simple enough, but then you factor in the division and state rivalry, and Florida’s better record, and it gets a little tougher. Not for me though, because I’ve never bought into Florida’s success. Might make me look like an ignorant jackass by the end of the season, but I’ll take my chances with that. Tampa at 1.70.
Nashville @ Detroit
Detroit is hot, they have won 4 straight and are 8-2 in their last 10. Nashville isn’t, and are the losers of 2 straight. But Detroit is an older team, and played yesterday in Boston who is a tough physical team. Detroit is the clear favourite, but I really like the odds on a rested Nashville team. I think I’m gonna bank on Rinne returning to top form, and take the Preds for 2.10.
Dallas @ Phoenix
I’m not a big fan of the desert dogs. Although it is fun to howl when they score a goal against a team you hate. They are all work ethic and no talent. Which is great, and inspiring and all that. But it makes it hard to look at their team on paper and pick them to win hockey games. How can I put my money on Mike Smith? Although I should be, he’s been proving me wrong all year. But call me stubborn, or Roy McAvoy, cause I’m gonna keep trying the same shot till I hit it right. Dallas at 1.70 (which ironically is where Tin Cup is from).
Vancouver @ San Jose
Two top teams squaring off here. With both teams putting there winning streaks on the line. I don’t have much to say here except that I’m going to take the well-rested home team. I also do think they are the superior team. San Jose at 1.60.
Chicago @ Los Angeles
Two weeks ago, I thought Chicago was the best team in the NHL, and almost a lock to play for the cup again. Last week put some serious doubt in my former opinion. Which Hawks team are we going to see tonight, the dominant one? Or the mediocre one? Chicago did play to a wild 6-5 win last night in Anaheim, so I’m not sure how many goals they have left for tonight. But I do still consider them among the upper echelon of Stanley Cup contenders. L.A is in that second tier for me, but tonight they are well rested, at home, and sporting the underdog odds. And that’s really hard for me to turn down. L.A at 1.80
Favorites
Boston
Pittsburgh
San Jose
Pick ‘ems
Edmonton
Washington
Tanpa Bay
Dallas
Long shots
Nashville
Los Angeles
OWC (Odds Worth Considering)
Buffalo 1.85
Vancouver 1.90
That’s it for this week. Look for more Phantom picks coming next week. And as always, good luck, and let me know how you did!